Anyone who visits Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon has probably experienced heavy traffic and a lack of parking in the area, but some government agencies are researching mass transit alternatives for the area.

About 3 million people visit the Sedona area each year according to a recent study, and most hit Oak Creek Canyon and the popular swimming spot Slide Rock in the summer, Coconino National Forest spokeswoman Sara Dechter said. 95 percent of the people drive on State Route 89A and Highway 179.

“This can actually back up traffic for several hours when its really bad. It impedes the movement of emergency vehicles and it could actually be a safety issue if we have a fire in the canyon we would have a really hard time evacuating if the fire happened on one of these busy weekends," Dechter said.

Among the alternatives to reduce traffic problems in the area is a proposal to start a shuttle service. A public meeting on the issue takes place Tuesday night at Sedona City Hall.

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